Arthritis and Rheumatism

Could Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Weight Loss Without Trying?

08/06/2008

Question:

I have lost 5 pounds this week and I didn`t even try to lose it. My rheumatoid arthritis is flaring at this time, too. I know that my RA can cause some weight loss. Also my periods always lasted for 7 days. Then all of a sudden they went to only lasting 3 days. That went on for 6 months. Now the past two months they have only lasted for 2 days. Could this be my thyroid? What other things could cause weight loss without trying?

Answer:

Active Rheumatoid Arthritis may certainly be associated with weight loss as well as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or thyroid hormone over-supplementation. As a comprehensive list of weight loss causes is quite long and untargeted without further evaluation, your question may be better answered by consulting with your personal physician.

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